Julie Currie

Then join in the fight back against commercialism on Black Friday by taking part in nationwide Fair Day Saturday...

If we all signed up to one little act of kindness on the same day, imagine what a difference it could make.

Ben Macpherson (centre) and Jordi Albareda (second left) hope readers will Make Someone's Day on St Andrew's Day on November 30 and to then celebrate our art and culture on Fair Saturday on December 1 to help raise funds for good causes. (Pic: Stewart Attwood)

Well, thanks to a new campaign by the Scottish Government, we don’t have to imagine the outcome.

For that dream will become a reality on November 30, with people across the country being asked to commit to doing something nice for someone else on St Andrew’s Day.

On Saturday, December 1, we’re also being invited to take part in the first Fair Saturday here, a celebraion of art and culture while raising funds and awareness for charities.

A helping hand...making someone's day need not cost a penny. Why not pop in on an elderly relative or neighbour and make their day?

Founded in Spain in 2014 to combat Black Friday’s commercialism, it is now a global movement.

But Scotland is the first nation to sign up as a whole.

Ben Macpherson, Minister for Europe, Migration and International Development, was delighted to launch the initiative.

He said: “This St Andrew’s Day presents an inspiring opportunity for people in Scotland, in all our diversity, to celebrate the inclusive, outward-looking and compassionate spirit of our nation – by helping others and showing our generosity.

Pause for thought...consider buying a homeless person a hot meal or drink to help make their St Andrew's Day.

“We can all show the best of what it means to be Scottish by each doing something small to #MakeSomeonesDay.

“If each of us does something kind for someone else, together we can make a hugely positive impact.

“We wanted our national day to act as a focal point to showcase the Scots’ generous spirit and nature.

“This is not about how much you can spend; it’s about little acts of kindness that mean so much more.

“We’re asking people to make time for elderly neighbours, donate goods to charity shops, hold a charity bake sale at work, volunteer time to a good cause or gift a meal or hot drink to a homeless person.

“Everyone can get involved – all you have to do is make someone’s day.”

The initiative is tied in with Fair Saturday which next year will take place on St Andrew’s Day itself.

Ben added: “We’re linking in with the event this year so we can build up to having a major celebration in 2019.

“Fair Saturday gives communities across the country a chance, through arts and culture, to celebrate what it means to be Scottish in the 21st century.

“We live in a multiculural and diverse society and we want to celebrate that.

“Fair Saturday offers the perfect platform to do that.”

First staged in Bilbao in 2014, the Fair Saturday movement is spearheaded by social entrepreneur Jordi Albareda.

It has since been adopted by Malaga, Santander and Huelva in Spain, Milan and Pisa in Italy, Lima in Peru and Bristol in England.

However, Scotland is the first nation to sign up.

Jordi said: “When we began the Fair Saturday movement, we wanted countries all over the world to embrace its ideals of creating social impact through arts and culture.

“It is fitting that Scotland is hosting the first nationwide Fair Saturday festival outside of Spain.

“Scotland is a nation that focuses on diversity, multiculturalism, social empathy, kindness and, of course, arts and culture.

“So it made complete sense for us to deliver the movement here. It is the most vibrant case of Fair Saturday to date.

“In a time of building walls, we want to build bridges to connect people, cities, communities and cultures.

“Millions of people working together surely must be stronger than some irresponsible global leaders.

“We hope the Scottish people will mobilise behind our aim of creating a better future for all.”

Some 76 events have already been organised in 25 cities and towns across Scotland on Fair Saturday, December 1.

And the movement will also be celebrated in more than 100 locations globally.

Jordi said: “More than 600 cultural events with a social impact will be taking place around the world.

“Could you imagine the day when millions of people take part? It would send such a powerful message – that’s our aim for the future.”

Fair Saturday aims to make people reflect on how arts and culture and social causes contribute to society.

So all its events support a social cause of their choice in one of three ways:

By recognising the charity’s work;

By allowing the charity to spread its message to a wider audience;

By contributing to the charity’s work via ticket sales and donations.

November 30 and December 1 in Scotland will also serve as a perfect antidote to Black Friday’s commercialism, which initially prompted Fair Saturday’s launch.

Jordi added: “We connected with the Scottish Government thanks to our British Council in Bilbao in late 2016 and are delighted to launch our first Fair Saturday here this year.

“We believe it is one of the best nations in the world in which to start the journey.

“Scotland’s National Day is all about sharing, giving and being kind. That tells you a lot about its people.”